Whistling disk fix?

[Hi-Ho Silver]

Hi. One of my disks emits a really irritating 'whistle'. It doesn't get any louder or quieter it just makes the same tone at the same volume every-single-time-I-brake!!!

MB service tech said to stick with what's on the car, if I can live with it, as the pads still have around 80% wear left and although the disks are worn, they'll probably last until/ beyond the next MoT.

Thing is that I want the thing to stop whining every time I touch the brake pedal and I don't know how to fix it. Can one of you kind souls please suggest something as I often don't drive with the wireless on, as I like to listen to whatever i'm driving and this sound is really bothering me.

Thanks.

 

[Frank O' Phile]

If it's the noise I think it is, then it is caused by dry\dusty pads.

I always found that a smear of copper based grease on the metal backing of the pads cured this.

 

[kth286]

do you know which disc it is ?

 

[Hi-Ho Silver]

Hi guys. Thanks very much for replying.

It's the front passenger side (NSF?) which whistles while it works. There was a lot of fine sandy dust under the bonnet, so I guess it's safe to assume that it's pretty much everywhere else too.

Frank, i'm not doubting your advice just curious to know how it would work. How does smearing copper grease on the back of the pads stop the things from whistling? I thought it would be due to the contact between the pad and disc. Would you consider this to be a routine maintenance issue and how easy is it to do bearing in mind that I only have the MB jack supplied with the car?

Many thanks,

Hi-Ho Silver MkI

 

[kth286]

has the problem only started recently, or when new pads were installed ?

 

[camerafodder]

Frank, i'm not doubting your advice just curious to know how it would work. How does smearing copper grease on the back of the pads stop the things from whistling? I thought it would be due to the contact between the pad and disc. Would you consider this to be a routine maintenance issue and how easy is it to do bearing in mind that I only have the MB jack supplied with the car?
Hi-Ho Silver MkI

The sound comes from the back of the pads oscillating against the pistons as you brake. copper grease and anti squeel shims will usually stop this, that's what Frank means.

 

[kth286]

on my car the front pads already have the grease blobs built into the back of the front pads from Merc (on the 4 pot calipers).

 

[3 phase]

Mine are howling like banshee's in traffic at low speeds, applied copper grease to the backs of the pads full of expectation but no difference unfortunately.Can't locate a shim or backing plate down here in these parts. I think that the shim is only part of a kit according to the EPC on the Merc parts lists, and my pads are only 20% worn.

 

[stwat]

As well as copper grease on the back of the pads, a slight smear on the edges of the pads often helps to stop the noise.(the metal part of the pad not the pad material, for obvious reasons)

 

[Hi-Ho Silver]

Hi folks. My guess is that this issue is nothing new for this car. As i've owned the car for less than 1 month, i'm gradually finding and correcting bits as I go. My guess is that the pads are not original MB parts and the discs...... I think changing the discs and pads all round would be the best solution.

There seems to be a great deal of doubt about the abilities of Kwik-Fit, on this forum. I need to have my rears balanced and while they're at it, they could copper grease my squeal too. Are the smaller indie's somehow better at balancing a wobbly wheel?

Thanks for your replies.

Silver, H.H. Monseigneur.